Hunter's Harvest program benefits hunters and hungry

HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) -

Hunter's Harvest is a program of the Mississippi Wildlife Federation that allows hunters to donate venison to needy people.

The meat is ground, frozen, and stored until it is distributed through the Mississippi Food Network. The venison is donated to soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, and churches across the state.

"This is our third year for the program," said Brad Young, Executive Director of the Mississippi Wildlife Federation. "Last year we donated somewhere in the neighborhood of 1800 pounds of venison. This year we expect to do far, far more than that."

Hunters can either donate an entire deer or just a pound or two of ground meat. If they choose to donate to Hunter's Harvest, the MS Wildlife Federation will pay the processing fee. Hunters need only drop off their kill, tell the processing location that they'd like to donate to Hunter's Harvest, and the rest will be taken care of.

Deer is a great source of protein and is also low in fat. According to Mr. Young, one pound of ground venison can provide four meals for needy people.

"So just imagine, by the time we collect literally thousands of pounds and distribute them across the state, we've really reached a lot of people and done a lot of good."